VERY LAST FIRST TIME
- 1985
By Jan Andrews
Illustrations by Ian Wallace
Macmillan Publishing Company
By Jan Andrews
Illustrations by Ian Wallace
Macmillan Publishing Company
SUMMARY:
During the wintertime in a village in Northern Canada a young Inuit girl named Eva sets out with her mother in search of mussels to eat. The mussels can be found when the ocean tide pulls away from the shore revealing a floor of ice. Eva and her mother find the right place to crack open the layer of ice so they can descend into the seabed below. Today is special for Eva because she will walk below the ice alone in search of mussels for the very first time. A world rarely experienced is opened to exploration for Eva and after filling her mussel pan she seizes that opportunity. She takes notice of the other life forms found in this ecosystem as well as the beauty of the plant life around her until she strays too far and as her candles burn out she becomes lost under the sea. Eva struggles and tries her best to call for help to find the opening from where she has come down. She finds the hole with help from the light of the moon and is reunited with her mother. Afterwards she takes notice that her first time walking alone for mussels will be her very last first time.
For Parents:
Very Last First Time is a book to share with your children that can be used emphasis how vast the world is in which they live including the myriad of life experiences they will face and enjoy. Every new moment and challenge is something that cannot be duplicated and this book is a great example of taking delight in those new moments in our intricately varied word. The illustrations by Ian Wallace lend the story an expansive magical territory that will spark the imaginations of all who read the book. You may even find your child wants to explore the ocean floor! Though I suggest a nice hike instead.
For Teachers:
Jan Andrew’s book can be used as a great tool to begin learning about ocean ecosystems as well as an introduction to new cultures and in this case that of the Inuits. The message of new experiences, challenges and delights would also make for a great book to read at the beginning of the school year to prepare students for the multitude of fun activities and learning they will all share together for the very last first time.
Personal Note:
I found this book a pleasing example of the feelings that new wondrous and dangerous experiences bring in being alive. I was stirred with awe that this Inuit custom actually happens and believe it adds a new world to my own perceptions of this planet and reminds me that there is always more to learn and encounter.